OHS announces Delaware seat belt use rate

Delaware Office of Highway officials has announced an increase in Delaware's statewide seat belt use rate.

Staff Reports

Delaware Office of Highway officials has announced an increase in Delaware's statewide seat belt use rate.

County seat belt rates have also increased. Kent County saw the highest increase from 79 percent in 2012 to 92 percent this year. New Castle County seat belt rate is now 90 percent compared to 87 percent in 2012 and Sussex County increased from 90 percent in 2012 to 93 percent for 2013.

Delaware is one of only 16 states to have a primary seat belt law requiring drivers and all passengers, including those in the back seat, to wear a seat belt. An officer can pull over a driver if he sees any person not wearing a seat belt. The seat belt ticket in Delaware with fine and fees is $86.50 and is issued to the driver no matter who is unbuckled in the vehicle.